What do you see when you envision a corporate headshot? Is it still a drab, posed figure in a gray suit?
In the new era of agile business, executives and upper management no longer match the image of older men wearing stiff suits and expressions. The technology industry, and its subsequent effect on the speed of business, corroded the dignified, aristocratic spirit of business leaders. Now CEOs and entrepreneurs are younger, and assume a different role. They charismatically share an energetic vision to rally excitement and improve employee performance. As a leader or future-leader, how do you exhibit this new business spirit in your corporate headshot?
Whether you’re at an established company or a start-up, your corporate headshot should have an appropriately relaxed tone. This will allow you to exhibit a personable expression and form a connection with your picture’s viewers. Eyes, the proverbial windows to the soul, are typically the focal point of a strong connection. Choose a photographer who focuses on the eyes. A clear shot of the eyes can express personality traits such as courage, creativity and honesty. When successful, these traits will be apparent to the viewer, and form a relational dynamic.
Furthermore, the look of your corporate headshot should take into account the tone of your entire company. Nowadays, the environment of the workplace has evolved from a nose-to-the-grindstone sort of setting, to a healthy culture. Companies now emphasize the professional relationships and the relaxed, working atmospheres to support productivity and creativity. Your headshot is your first impression to match this culture.
When doing research or browsing your cite, potential employees will view your company’s corporate headshots. Even if they aren’t consciously aware of it, they are judging the feeling and spirit your company exudes. They may be thinking, “Do these look like the type of people I want to spend time with for forty hours every week?” As a business, corporate headshots can attract the right kind of people to your company.
On the other side, as a potential employee looking for work, an effective corporate headshot is more important than ever. With professional social media site LinkedIn, and online application processes, your headshot will naturally attract the hiring manager’s eye and be their first impression of you. With the new emphasis on culture, companies don’t just regard your previous work experience and performance, but also evaluate new employees to see if they are a good “culture fit.”
So, what can you do to take the most effective corporate headshot? First of all, try to take a corporate headshot that matches the job you are applying for. If the job requires strength and decision making, consider taking a picture with the camera slightly angled up towards you from below. On the other hand, if the job requires providing support and emphasizes listening to others, perhaps have the camera angled slightly down from above to achieve a type of delicacy.
If you are looking for a job in a specific industry, try finding a photographer with experience in the same, or similar industry. Often, skilled photographers are able to guide the subject’s expression by providing complimentary conversation. If your industry requires a contemplative look, the photographer will ask questions to direct your expression this way. Or, he or she can crack jokes for a more lighthearted approach.
Most of all, the goal of your corporate headshot is to later meet these people in real life and work with them. Ultimately, make sure your picture looks like you and expresses your essential personality.
Does your corporate headshot express yourself in the context of your job, and the contemporary business culture? If not, consider updating yours today.
Paul Fey 